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Ten Dog Breeds

Labrador
Retrievers are sporting dogs. They were originally bred to retrieve birds, like pheasants. With Labs helping them, people long ago could find food to eat.

These
days Labs can work as assistance dogs for peoplewith disabilities, as
search and rescue dogs,
as drug detection dogs with the police, and more. They
are good
companions and sensitive therapy
dogs.They enjoy fun activities
like flyball and agility. More about
Labrador Retrievers

2. German
Shepherd

German
Shepherds are herding dogs. They were originally bred to herd flocks of sheep and goats.

These
days German Shepherds can work as guide dogs for the blind, search and rescue dogs, police dogs, and even herding dogs
as they did in the past. Many people like to teach
their German
Shepherds to pull carts, and to herd sheep. Some German
Shepherds also make wonderful therapy dogs who visit sick and
elderly people. More about German Shepherds

3. Golden
Retriever

Golden
Retrievers are sporting dogs. They were originally bred to retrieve water
birds, like ducks. With Goldens helping them, people long ago could
find food to eat.

These
days Goldens can work as assistance dogs for people with disabilities, as
search and rescue dogs, as retrievers in field trials, and more.
They enjoy agility, flyball, rally, swimming, and
competitive obedience.More
about Golden Retrievers

4. Beagle

Beagles
are hound dogs. They were originally
bred to hunt using their noses. They hunted using their noses more
than their eyes. Beagles are sometimes referred to as scent hounds. The
small Beagles hunted rabbits and the larger ones hunted deer. Beagles
have a very strong sense of smell.

These
days Beagles can do many different activities. They make good
hunters, and
they enjoy the sport of tracking.
They enjoy agility and they can be good therapy dogs.
They make very faithful companions.More about Beagles

5. Bulldog

The
Bulldog originated in the British Isles. The very first Bulldogs
were bred to be fierce fighters with a courageous personality.
But fighting became illegal and Bulldogs were soon lovers, not
fighters. For more than a hundred and fifty years, Bulldogs have
been bred to be kind and gentle family pets.

Today,
Bulldogs can participate in obedience, agility, and flyball competitions.
Some are active therapy dogs visiting people who are sick or disabled. More
about Bulldogs

6. Yorkshire
Terrier

Yorkshire
Terriers are terriers and are in the Terrier group of the American
Kennel Club (AKC). They were originally bred to be something called
a 'ratter.' This means that people used Yorkshire Terriers to hunt
down (chase) and kill rats that were bothering people in their
homes and neighborhoods.

This
dog, also known as the Yorkie, was developed from mixed breeding
(like many purebred dogs) of several other kinds of terriers. Now
people are happy with Yorkies the way they are. They are the perfect
little companion dog.More about Yorkshire Terriers

7. Boxer

Boxers
are working dogs that came from Germany long ago. They came from
dogs that were originally bred to hunt wild animals. Now, Boxers
have a strong instinct to guard and protect the people around
him.

These
days Boxers can do many different activities. They are good companions
and sensitive therapy dogs.They enjoy fun
activities like flyball, agility, and tracking. Some are used as
service dogs, police dogs, and guard dogs.More
about Boxers

8. Poodle

Originally
Poodles were duck retrievers. A Poodle would jump into the water
and swim to the duck he wanted to retrieve. They
were bred to be very good swimmers.

These
days Poodles can do many different activities. They are good
companions and participate
in obedience, agility, flyball, dock diving, conformation, canine
freestyle, hunting, and tracking. They also make excellent rescue
dogs and service dogs.More about Poodles

9. Rottweiler

Rottweilers
are working dogs. They were originally bred to be guard dogs, but
they also worked driving cattle on farms.They also
used to pull carts for people, and many people are now teaching
their dogs to pull carts.

These
days some Rottweilers work as police dogs and guard dogs. They also make
excellent leader dogs for people who are blind. Many people like to teach
their Rottweilers to pull carts, and to herd sheep. Rottweilers
also make very faithful companions.More about Rottweilers

10. Dachshund

Dachshunds
are hound dogs. They were originally much larger than they are today,
and were bred to hunt badgers in Germany. Later, smaller sizes were
bred so the dogs could hunt smaller animals, like foxes, rabbits,
and weasels.

These
days Dachshunds can do many different activities. They are good
companions and participate
in obedience, agility, conformation, go-to-ground (earthdog competitions),
canine freestyle, and tracking.
More about Dachshunds

Here
is the ultimate show-and-tell for children who love dogs! With
its lush, four-color portraits of all of the AKC-recognized breeds,
information on the history and character of the breeds, graphics
showing where each breed originated and how big it is, and boxes
containing a 'fun fact'. The Complete Dog Book for Kids is the
ideal way to teach kids about the rich history of the sport of
dogs and how their pets contribute to it. Excellent book! Ages
9-12

Dogs,by
David Taylor, Dorling Kindersley, Ltd June 2003

An
invaluable introduction to the dogs of the world, this compact
and comprehensive guide reveals key characteristics of each breed,
highlights the their history, and provides tips on how to choose
and care for a pet. Ages 9-12

Discover
the world of dogs, wolves, jackals and foxes -- their natural
history, behavior and domestication. Here is a spectacular
and informative guide to the fascinating world of the entire
dog family. Superb real-life photographs of dogs, wolves, jackals
and foxes offer a unique "eyewitness" view of the natural history
and evolution of the dog family, highlighting the many ways
in which they have helped people throughout history. Ages 9-12

Here
are a few books that can help your parents choose the right dog:

Choosing
a Dog for Dummies, by Chris Walkowicz,July
15, 2001From an Amazon.com
reader: Chris Walkowicz's Choosing A Dog For Dummies is
a simple, straightforward, easy-to-read, and dependable
introduction on how to decide which pet qualities you value
most and are compatible with your own particular life style;
all of the practical steps to take in choosing a great
dog for you; as well as all aspects of properly caring
for your canine pet. Additionally, readers can find out
about breed rescue, and there's an invaluable advice about
selecting a "kid-friendly" dog. If you are considering
the acquisition of a canine companion for you or your family,
read Chris Walkowicz's Choosing A Dog For Dummies! Written
for adults

Paws
to Consider, by
Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson,September
1, 1999As compassionate as
they are knowledgeable, Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
tell you how to avoid the pitfalls before you lose your
patience or money. Their combined expertise and honesty
will help you choose wisely, with your eyes wide open as
well as your heart. The result will be a dog you can happily
live with...and who will reward you with unconditional
love.

The
Idiot's Guide to Getting and Owning a Dog, by
Sheila Webster Boneham,August
26, 2002From an Amazon.com
reader: This book is must for every potential or real dog
owner's bookshelf! Ms. Boneham does an excellent job of
helping you through the steps of choosing and living with
your dog. The book is an excellent source of of information
itself and includes many references, both on the Web and
otherwise. In the future, this book will be part of all
my puppy's going-to-their-new-home bag.